Italian > Pasta > Spaghetti

Spaghetti with Mascarpone and Spinach Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet for sauce

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add mascarpone cheese and heavy cream to the skillet and stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until combined.
6. Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until the spaghetti is coated in the sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- None
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 760
- Fat: 49g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 23g
- Fiber: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mascarpone cheese can be substituted with cream cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the sauce for a protein boost.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.

Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. Use it to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Make sure to stir the sauce constantly to prevent it from burning or sticking to the skillet.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve spaghetti in individual bowls topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer on low heat for a few minutes to thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the spaghetti to the recommended time to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Food history:
- Mascarpone cheese is a traditional Italian cheese that originated in the Lombardy region.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Rich, Savory, Tangy, Cheesy